Regulatory T Cells in Tumor Immunity

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance to self-antigens but can also dampen T cell immunity to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). They are thought to be one of the main obstacles tempering successful immunotherapy. In this article, the molecular and cellular phenotype of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment, the trafficking profile, and their multiple modes of suppressive mechanisms are discussed. The impact of epigenetics and genetics in Treg development and function, as well as Treg metabolism, is reviewed. Applicably, the strategies of therapeutically targeting Tregs in cancer and the potential effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy on Tregs are incorporated in the discussion.